Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is grappling with a sense of boredom and nostalgia for his former royal life, according to royal expert Tom Quinn. As he approaches his 40th birthday, Harry finds himself reflecting on the significant changes he has made since moving to the United States in 2020. Despite his public declarations of contentment, sources close to the prince suggest he is facing an internal struggle with his new role and lifestyle.
The Duke, along with his wife Meghan Markle, settled in the exclusive Los Angeles enclave of Montecito, raising their children Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. This move marked a dramatic shift from his previous life as a working royal, necessitating the couple to find new ways to support themselves financially. High-profile deals with Netflix and Spotify have kept them in the public eye, but these ventures may not have provided the fulfillment Harry was seeking.
"He is trained from birth to do one thing only-to be a Royal, and he has thrown that away," said Tom Quinn, a royal author and expert, as reported by The Mirror. "His 100% support for his wife and her business ventures has never wavered, but he doesn't really have very much to do on a day-to-day basis. After he's taken the dog for a walk and maybe gone for a drive, he has nothing to do other than support Meghan."
Harry's occasional trips back to the UK for family matters, such as the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, and his father's recent cancer diagnosis, have kept him connected to his royal roots. However, these visits are rare due to concerns over security, as he no longer has taxpayer-funded protection.
Despite these challenges, Harry publicly maintains that he loves his new life in the States. In a February interview with Good Morning America, he expressed his satisfaction, calling it "amazing." Yet, Quinn suggests that behind the scenes, Harry might be feeling a sense of boredom and 'missing his old life.'
The strained relationship with his family, particularly his brother Prince William, adds to Harry's conflicted feelings. The publication of his memoir "Spare" and his candid interviews, including the notable sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, have only deepened the rift. Quinn believes that Harry's hopes for reconciliation with his family are becoming increasingly unrealistic, prompting him to reconsider his approach.
"He is upset that he's out in the cold more than ever and is beginning to think that his endless demands for apologies will have to be put on the back burner if some kind of truce is ever to be achieved," Quinn explained. "He wants a truce partly for selfish reasons-he's finally realized that he needs to continue being some kind of a royal if the United States is to continue to be interested in him."
In an attempt to re-establish his relevance and continue his philanthropic efforts, Harry and Meghan announced plans to travel to Colombia. They have been invited by the country's vice president, Francia Márquez, to participate in engagements aligned with their Archewell Foundation's work, focusing on global philanthropy and the promotion of safer online environments.
"The Duke and Duchess will engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress," Márquez said. This visit follows a successful tour of Nigeria earlier this year, highlighting their ongoing commitment to global causes.
Despite the public's perception of a glamorous and fulfilling life, the reality for Harry may be more complex. Balancing his support for Meghan, his personal aspirations, and his lingering connection to the royal family presents a continuous challenge. As Harry and Meghan prepare for their upcoming engagements, the world watches closely to see how they navigate this new chapter in their lives.
